(28 June 2008 3:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Shanghai Media Group (SMG) and Intel have announced a collaboration in developing broadband online TV in China.

Intel will provide support to SMG including funding, technology research, and product development, to build a more secure, convenient online TV platform.

Intel and SMG’s collaboration in developing broadband online TV in China is comprehensive, the parties state.

Intel Capital will invest approximately $12 million to be used for developing and promoting broadband online TV technology, through supporting Shanghai Media Group Broad Band (SMGBB) in software services and product research and development.

Intel Capital president Arvind Sodhani says, "Global demand for broadband online TV is increasing rapidly as a result of the proliferation of Internet technology. Intel is delighted to cooperate with SMG to develop the broadband online TV platform in China. Collaboration with Intel will stimulate the innovation and development of Chinese new media."

Intel Asia-Pacific R&D VP software solutions group Dr. Wen-Hann Wang adds, "Intel’s multi-core platform will be fully utilised to consolidate new Internet technologies, integrate innovative user experience and visualized interface, while developing the next-generation video platform on the basis of virtualization technology.

"It will not only provide subscribers with a profound visual experience that is more secure, convenient, and stylish, but also help SMGBB to establish a high-performance, high-reliability, and extendable video backend support platform to stimulate the innovation and development new media technologies."

SMG says that ti has maintained a strong position in China’s broadcast-television industry. It offers new media services including: Interactive TV, mobile phone TV, IPTV, and broadband online TV.

SMGBB, a wholly owned subsidiary of SMG, is a professional video website that provides a variety of programmes with stable network broadcasting service.

SMG president Li Ruigang says, "Our past experience has proven that Chinese new media, represented by broadband online TV is transforming the traditional media industry. Its new methods for broadcasting, communication, and consumption demonstrate strong potential.

"Unlike traditional media, new media heavily depends on technology; therefore, we are very pleased to cooperate with Intel. Together, we will provide high quality online TV service and make contributions to the development of the entire industry".